Breast Reduction

Breast reduction surgery is designed to reduce the amount of breast tissue in women who have developed extremely large, drooping breasts to alleviate the embarrassment, upper body pain and even skin rashes that can occur as a result of excessive breast growth.

The Breast Reduction Procedure in Houston TX

During your consultation for breast reduction, Dr. Norris will evaluate your breasts to ensure they are done developing and determine how much breast tissue will need to be removed in order to achieve your cosmetic goals.

He will provide you with pre-operative instructions and advise you to avoid certain medications, smoking and alcohol intake for a period of time before your breast reduction. You may also need to schedule times to have lab work, an EKG and mammogram performed prior to surgery.

During the procedure, you will be under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, and Dr. Norris will remove breast tissue and extra skin to reshape, lift and reduce your breasts.

Incision placement depends largely on the amount of tissue and skin that needs to be removed, however Dr. Norris will discuss the particulars of this with you before your procedure and ensure you are comfortable with the locations of your breast reduction scars.

Recovering From Breast Reduction in Houston

Dr. Norris will give you aftercare instructions and prescribe antibiotics and pain medication for use during your recovery period. You will need to wear a supportive bra in the weeks following your surgery and restrictions on movement, tobacco use, alcohol consumption and use of certain medications will be necessary.

The amount of downtime needed after breast reduction is typically 3-5 days. Most patients may resume exercising and strenuous activity within 3-6 weeks of surgery. The shorter the incisions used during surgery, the shorter the recovery period following breast reduction. After several months, scars will fade, and your final breast reduction results will take shape. Dr. Norris will monitor your healing throughout this time to ensure a beautiful, proportionate outcome is achieved.

Am I a good candidate for breast reduction?

Dr. Norris will be able to determine whether or not you are an ideal candidate for surgery during the consultation process. Candidates for breast reduction surgery should have fully developed breasts which usually occurs after the age of eighteen. Ideal candidates will possess good overall mental and physical health.

What are some of the benefits of breast reduction surgery?

There are numerous benefits associated with breast reduction. Cosmetically, breast reduction can make the breasts appear more proportionate to your body type. Breast reduction can also relieve a number of problems associated with large breasts including back and neck pain, poor posture, shortness of breath, and inability to participate in strenuous exercise or sports.

Should I expect any significant scarring?

You should be prepared for some scarring following surgery. Incisions are usually made underneath the breasts, and sometimes around the areola or in a line from the crease to the areolae. There are steps you can take to reduce the appearance of scarring and scars will eventually begin to fade with time.

What are some of the risks associated with breast reduction?

As with any surgery, there are inherent risks associated with breast reduction. Breast reduction is generally considered safe and complications are rare. Complications may include an adverse reaction to anesthesia, bleeding, infection, asymmetry, nerve damage and scarring.

Do you have questions about breast reduction in Houston? Contact our office in Houston to inquire about this procedure or schedule a consultation with board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Morgan Norris.